BELAGAVI: In a shocking revelation following the deaths of 31 blackbucks at the Kittur Rani Chennamma mini zoo here, it has come to light that the zoo authorities received a warning about the outbreak of a contagious disease three months prior to the incident.
The National Institute of Animal Health in Bengaluru had alerted the state animal husbandry department about the possibility of Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS) in Belagavi region. The institute had sent a message to the state animal husbandry department, which was then forwarded to the Forest department and the zoo.
Despite receiving this warning, questions are being raised about the alleged negligence shown by both the Forest and animal husbandry departments. The disease has claimed the lives of 31 blackbucks so far, and seven others are still battling for their lives.
Veterinarians are providing antibiotic treatment to the remaining animals. There is a concern that the disease might spread to other animals in the zoo and nearby villages. The cause of death has been suspected to be Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS), a bacterial disease that can affect blackbucks and other animals. An investigation is under way to determine the exact cause of the deaths and to identify those responsible.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many questioning the zoo’s management and response to the outbreak. The forest minister has ordered a probe into the incident, and a team of experts has been formed to investigate the cause of the deaths and suggest measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
